Winnebago has unveiled their all-electric RV prototype, the eRV2, as reported by Electrek. Currently, the RV maker opens the prototype for test drives to collect feedback from consumers before they finalize its design.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 18: RVs that will be used for coronavirus (COVID-19) isolation are seen during a tour of the Randall's Island Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center on October 18, 2022 in New York City.
The eRV2 was revealed during the 2022 Florida RV SuperShow, their next attempt at an EV platform since 2018.
The concept of the eRV was built from the Ford Transit platform, using the vehicle's body, chassis, and suspension. It is equipped with a 86 kWh battery that can deliver 125 miles of range and charge in time of 45 minutes on DC fast charger.
The eRV2
Now with the eRV2, it's an operational prototype that is closer to becoming a real electric RV option for consumers today. It is also built on Ford E-Transit chassis with a range of 108 miles.
Winnebago also partnered with Lithionics Battery to create a proprietary IonBlade lithium house battery to be compact and powerful with a 48V system that will have over 15,000 usable watt-hours.
The powertrain and house systems are powered by electricity. And even more, the electric RV has a 900-watt solar capacity with the panels on its roof.
Inside the eRV2 prototype, there is a lot of recycled materials, such as the mats, window trim, flooring, and the WinnSleep mattress system. Furthermore, the cab seats have plant-based coverings, while all the acrylic countertops are made from biodegradable materials.
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The Main Goal of the eRV2
The company knows they still have a long way to go to finally make that breakthrough into the electric motorhome market. Their goal is to build the eRV2 to people explore the world around them comfortably and with less environmental impact.
That said, user experience is at the heart of the development of this prototype.
The eRV2 will be on display until January 22 at the Winnebago booth at the Florida RC SuperShow. You can also schedule a test drive while you're there.
The Future of Electric RVs
We have seen many electric campervan concepts, but the eRV2 is the first electric RV on the market that isn't a conversion kit. If it proves to be a success, it will be huge.
It could start a market shift that could disrupt and include more electric options in the recreational vehicle industry.
You can easily see that the Winnebago company is heading in the right direction to help consumers get an electric RV experience. But, not all companies are so into the idea of electric RVs.
It is true that the long range of EVs is still a concern, but with the fast charging infrastructure being built, it is getting easier to sit on a sofa and enjoy the scenery.
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